This isn’t a niche sport with an aging fanbase. It’s an undervalued property with a young one.

“If you watched the Olympics, you know there’s a lot more to curling than meets the eye,” Dorothy said in the release. “This may not be the Tournament of Hearts, but it is a tournament of starts.”

“Investing in our community facilities is about more than upgrading equipment. It is about making sure the places people gather and connect continue to serve Grande Prairie well into the future,” said Mayor Jackie Clayton.

“This event is about more than curling — it’s about neighbours helping neighbours. Seeing the community come together year after year to support important causes makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

“Some of my friends curl,” Ava said, adding that she has made new friends through both Jam Can and the Girls Rock event. “And then I made friends there… and then they did Girls Rock with me.”

Olympic gold and bronze medals. And ode to Brad Gushue’s upcoming retirement. Plus a look at some of the latest results on the national and international curling scenes.

Every Olympic and Paralympic cycle, we measure curling success in medals. The real contribution of curling, however, extends far beyond the podium. Curling supports what we call social fitness — the capacity to build, sustain and renew meaningful social connections over time.

Canada’s Olympic teams are now in Italy and starting their quests for the podium. Learn more about a female-participant, female-led curling program that is making a difference. Plus, have you taken your pledge to Grow the Game?

“Probably one of our biggest accomplishments from last year to this year is the increase in the junior curling membership,” he said. “We’re pretty excited about that.”

“We didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “You see it on the Olympics right? And everybody’s trying to figure out what do you have to do in curling? What’s even the object of the game? So we came down the first year and this is our fifth year down here. Same group of guys and we just have fun. It’s just a great time.”

What began as a grassroots initiative has evolved to become a flagship winter festival, attracting more than 32 local and international teams each year.

“There’s no prerequisite to participate,” Plante said. “We want people to come out, have some fun, and experience curling in a unique way on natural ice.”

Muscular strength and endurance, balance and flexibility are key to success on the curling rink. Strength and coordination are needed to throw the rock with accuracy and efficiency, especially as the match wears on.

“The curling is part of it, but the main part is also what we call bonspieling,” he said. “It’s the social atmosphere upstairs in the lounge at Spray Lakes, enjoying each other’s company and fellowship, along with our silent auction and prizes.”

“This takes away training environment constraints, training travel constraints, the physical constraints where you’re tapering training before a competition,” she said. “You’re removing a lot of the physical elements when you might only be interested in tactics and strategy training.”

Are you ready for an exciting month of curling? The 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts kicks off this month. Get your tickets today! Plus, on Jan. 31, Curling Day in Canada is your chance to celebrate the sport you love.

“It doesn’t matter your ability. You don’t have to be the most athletic superstar out there in the world. You can be an average person. You can modify how you curl. You can use a stick. You don’t have to sweep if you don’t want to. I mean, it’s supposed to be a fun sport, and we can leave all the real competitive stuff to the people going to the Olympics, but it should be a social sport and just have a lot of fun.”

After a day described by organizers as filled with “fun, exercise and getting to meet new curlers,” the event raised a grand total of $1,776 that will go to the Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank and the Women’s Resource Centre in Cranbrook.

Fundraising efforts to directly support locals, with a focus on youth who are living with cancer.

Fundraising efforts to directly support locals, with a focus on youth who are living with cancer.

Their collective mission was to raise funds for the CLH Foundation and their Commitment to Care initiative. This time around with help from 20 teams taking part, the event raised a new record amount of $13,000.

“When I was in school, I went to the junior curling club and everyone there was all volunteers,” she said, glad to be able to pay it forward. “It’s always fun to be able to give back to the program that allowed me to learn how to curl too.”

At the heart of the winter pop-up is a brand-new outdoor curling rink set along Evangeline’s terrace. Just bundle up, grab a warm drink and play a match while looking out over the city’s skyline! Each free curling session is 30 minutes and it’s first-come, first-served (perfect for a date or with a small group of friends).

One thing that has changed considerably, which appeals to Swain, is accessibility and inclusivity. He now finds himself playing the game with everyone. …“You’ve got kids in the little rock leagues. You’ve got masters that are well into their 90s. I curled against a grandmother and her grandson this morning in Belleville before I came here – a charming couple. She was 98.”

“We found that lots were busy with their kids running with hockey and other activities, so we decided to do a six-week mini league instead,” said Wall. “Many people sign up for multiple mini leagues, but you don’t have to.”

The Lakefield Curling Club has raised over $15,000 to support people impacted by the October fire that destroyed the Kawartha Home Hardware building in downtown Lakefield, including the upper storey apartments.

“Being able to do the strategy and tactical training from your home, from an easier to access location, being able to access coaching when it’s not in person … like in general training, it can be very valuable,” Dornstauder said.

“We have more events planned, new draw times, new league offerings and more of a focus on the social aspect of the game, bringing members of our community together — it seems like interest is at an all-time high.”

There are some who wonder why leagues like Curling with Pride still exist. Carlson doesn’t hesitate. “It’s still so relevant today,” he said. “Kids are still being bullied. The fight is always going to be here. If we want to keep the rights that we have, we have to stay relevant. We have to stay visible and make sure our voices are being heard so that we aren’t going to be snuffed out again.” That determination has helped launch something much bigger: the Canadian Pride Curling Championships, which now include nearly every province.

“At a time across Canada — where a lot of curling clubs are struggling and a lot of leagues are finding it hard to maintain memberships — to see this league growing by leaps and bounds and so much every year, I think that’s just a huge success story.”

“We’re excited to host the third annual Mayor’s Charity Bonspiel,” said Mayor Andy Lennox. “Last year’s event was a great success, and we hope to build on that success in 2025 to benefit the new Mount Forest Outdoor Pool’s fundraising campaign. I invite everyone to get involved, whether it is by forming a team, sponsoring, or simply coming out to cheer on the curlers.”

The accolades keep stacking up for the Canada’s most decorated wheelchair curler. Sonja Gaudet, of Vernon, has been inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame.

When you walk into George Preston, you feel the energy,” says Dana Matheson, owner of the Langley Rivermen. “It’s not just about the games – it’s about people connecting, supporting one another and being proud of what this building represents. We’re grateful to be part of that community.”

“We’ve been doing fundraising for 16 years and we’ve raised over $60,000 for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation,” said Helen Murray, spokesperson for the Chilliwack Curling Club. “We are so happy to receive some of those funds back from the foundation to give to the hospital.”

The St. Albert Curling Club hosted a Saturday morning sensory-friendly drop-in event designed for neurodiverse kids, teens and adults. Stones, Sweeps and Neurodiverse Peeps was organized by Nicky Kaufman to create a safer, more welcoming environment for people interested in curling but needing a more relaxed environment.

‘Thanks to the Trillium (funding), we’ve been able to improve so we’ll be a viable entity 30 to 40 years from today,’ says curling club president.
Facility improvements and new programming are boosting membership and improving community engagement in the club which is home to yogo and learn to curl programs, which are bringing in new and younger members.

“It is an excellent place for a family to come together, and they put out some good curling teams out of this club, so they have got a rich history of curling in the Thunder Bay area, and it’s great for us to be able to continue to support them in there,” Holland said.

“The idea is we want it to be a full entity, Out on the Ice. It’s a place you can go that’s associated with inclusive curling,” Littlejohn said. “I really want to work with Abby to make sure whatever guidelines are in Kitchener-Waterloo are the guidelines here. Every aspect is the same so no matter where you are, Out on the Ice is a safe place for you.”

“That’s where the four-floor curling sets came in—they’ve been a total game changer,” noted Skanes. “They allow us to teach curling in a way that’s accessible, fun, and skill-building, all without needing a rink. It’s exciting because our athletes are so eager to learn and now we can actually provide them with that opportunity.”

Happy Canada Day! The draws are live for two of the biggest events on the Road to 2026. Is your favourite team set to go all the way? Discover how floor curling is connecting generations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and check out can’t-miss webinars built for youth curlers, coaches, and parents.

No matter what may be going on around us, we can just be a bunch of curlers being ourselves under one roof. Our deep expression of queer pride made me an even prouder Canadian.

“We want to be the brand for curlers and with the clothing, that kind of naturally played into the beer. We want to tell the stories about curlers and be that lifestyle brand for them, so that’s kind of the vision.”

The Barriere Curling Club is concerned about your health during our summer high heat days. Our cooling centre will be comfortable while you to engage in numerous physical and social activities with others.

There’s still time to apply for a Curling Canada scholarship this season. Congratulations to Nova Scotia, Alberta and Northern Ontario for their performances in the MA Cup battles. A Q&A session with a women in curling trailblazer. Plus, read our recap about the growth of wheelchair curling in Canada from this past year.

“This tournament is one of our favourite ways to bring people together,” said Kristen Jarocki, President of the Weyburn Curling Club. “It’s a welcoming event that helps us build momentum in the curling off-season. Every dollar raised goes right back into the club, rink operations, and our community programs.”

The Crapaud Curling Club is better than ever, thanks to support from the community and help from the Rural Growth Initiative. The Rural Growth Initiative helps rural groups in PEI improve spaces and services that make community life stronger.

The municipality has awarded CIMCO Refrigeration a contract for ice plant upgrades at the two facilities, at a cost of $1.23 million plus the municipality’s portion of non-refundable HST.

Curlers in Golden won’t have to hang up their brooms next season after the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Board voted to support the purchase of a new ice chiller to replace the broken unit.

Proceeds from this annual event are donated back to the community with well over $1 million now supporting many community programs and events.

“The club membership is strong. Everybody is so passionate — not just in our club, but in the curling community in general,” he said. “We’re strong. We’re hurt, but we’re strong.”

The Bobcaygeon Curling Club has raised $18,267 through its charity bonspiel. The funds raised this year will support Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes and their mission to provide health and community support services to individuals and families in need across the region.

“Our province’s rinks play such an important role bringing residents together and serving as hubs for their communities,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said in a press release. “Whether it is hockey, figure skating, curling or other activities, these facilities allow people to stay active year-round.

I am proud to say that 2/3 of our membership steps up when the call goes out for volunteers for one project or another. I believe that volunteering and working together builds strong bonds between people. Volunteerism builds community.

It’s down to 15 teams of each gender that are still eligible in the race to represent Canada in 2026, plus the first two curlers named to the Olympic team are confirmed! Find out who those teams are. Plus, check out the full details of 2025 Curling Canada scholarship programs and how they can help set student-athletes up for success, including members of the latest Canadian junior women’s team to win a medal at the World Junior Championships.

The Ujamaa Grandmas yarn sale is being held at the Garrison Curling Club. The popular event sells donated yarn, fabric and other materials, sewing machines, quilting fabric and more at discounted prices.

“When those cold winters keep us indoors, rinks encourage us to venture out of our houses and into a space where we can socialize, enjoy physical activity, or catch the excitement of a hockey game, ringette tournament, or curling match.”

In a bid to improve their financial situation, the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Centre will install some VLT machines. It is also getting a $20,000 boost from the City of Prince Albert.

Curling is among the most Canadian of sports. About 2.3 million Canadians curl at least once annually. The Scotties Tournament of Hearts for women and Montana’s Brier for men are watched by millions each year.

“Wow, what a season it’s been!” shared a Monday morning post. “As we wrap up another amazing curling year, we want to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who made it so special. From the intense bonspiels to unforgettable moments on and off the ice, we couldn’t have done it without our dedicated players, fans, and volunteers.

Curling rocks were replaced with people on the sheets. “We went and bought a whole bunch of Canadian made flying saucers, just like you would push your kid down a hill on,” says human bonspiel co-organizer Alan Demaline.

The CVCC made history as being the first ever (and still only) curling tournament featuring beer kegs actually curled on the ice!

“It’s just a great community and what we love about the curling tradition is how social it is,” said Christie. “What we had in the old club, is what we are going to try our hardest to replicate in the new club, which is a really comfortable place for people to get together after the game.”

The club’s donation is a reminder of the incredible impact that community involvement and support can have. When organizations and individuals come together, it strengthens the foundation of essential services and community that benefit everyone.

For Morden, Jam Can is more than just a curling event—it’s a tradition that connects families, builds community spirit, and introduces kids to a sport they might otherwise never try. And for many, it’s the highlight of their spring break.

“It’s not like wheelchair basketball or quad rugby or sports like that, which can be really rough on people. Curling involves strength, fitness and strategy, being mentally aware and able to adjust, and it’s a real team sport. You learn to communicate and socialize, just basic skills that can really make a difference in a person’s life.”

“Curling is one of the most accessible sports because it can be easily adapted for a variety of abilities, mobility levels and ages. There are many physical, cognitive and social benefits for curling,” adds Hailey Kanak, also an AHS recreation therapy assistant at Willow Square.

“I think it’s because we have that group of eager curlers that really want to get out to other bonspiels and move around,” he says. “This is exactly what the fund was made for. It’s made to support people to go outside of the community and learn curling, even if they don’t ever become competitive curlers.”

“Our curling club is quite a little family and one of our members was in need that night, and I think we all just stepped up and stepped in the way that we needed to,” Carla LeRoy said.

Nickel Belt MP Marc Serre announced $125,000 in federal funding to enable accessibility changes to be made to the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club.

We welcome community members to come and to check out the curling action, to peruse the silent auction items and if they would like to make a donation towards the event, they are very welcome to,” Said Burke. Since its inception 17 years ago, the event has raised a total of $555,473 for charities.

“My mom, my dad and brother play since I was two-and-a-half years old,” explained Charley. “I wanted to play, too”. But then her parents thought, what if she could find an accessible curling club willing to take her on along with other children living with disabilities. “When we came here talking to other members, they’re like, ‘We can get her on the ice here,’” says Charley’s mother, Jennifer Kokesh. The Lachine Curling Club was more than happy to adapt its facilities and welcome the new players.

“All of the team members participated in the Little Rock’s After School Program as part of the 2024-25 curling season. The teams demonstrated their skills of accuracy, rock weight, sweeping strength and game strategy.

The Fawcett curling bonspiel uses cottage curling rocks. Cottage curling rocks are different from the granite curling rocks used in other bonspiels. Sometimes they are referred to as pond curling rocks.

Curling for a Cure 2025 consisted of 24 curling teams coming together to support two amazing causes: The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer program and Neepawa Cancer Care Unit. This event raised $40,060.00 which is being split between the two organizations.

Curling remains the only winter sport in the 55+ Games, making it a highlight of the competition. The popularity of stick curling has grown, offering more opportunities for participants to stay in the game even if traditional curling becomes too challenging.

The Curling Development Fee is collected in order to help develop the sport of curling in Canada, and, more importantly, develop curlers just like you. The money isn’t used for High Performance athletes you see on TV. It isn’t used to support any of Curling Canada’s national championship events.

“We thought, why not embrace winter? We’ve got all these guests coming in, they’re all dressed for the elements, and they’re happy to come up here and take in a view of the lake and have more of an experience,” MacCary said.

At the Almonte Curling Club on Saturday, curlers were only allowed to throw rocks if they were left-handed. It was part of the club’s seventh annual Lefties Only Bonspiel, held in conjunction with Curling Day in Canada.

“All the teams dressed in costumes representing the song they had chosen. It is the kind of event that really brings women together in good sportsmanship. A time for those new to curling and those that have just started to enjoy the game and gain some more skills and knowledge of the game.”

“I love raising money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis and I have been curling since I was five, and it (curling) is a huge part of my life. Meshing those two things together is something that I never thought I would do but this opportunity came up and we decided to do it,” says Daly.

Twin Rivers Club is hoping to celebrate this milestone achievement not just with those who curl in it but with the whole community who has helped support this event year after year, as well as those who are interested in learning the storied history it holds.

This annual event brings together forty women of all ages and abilities for a day filled with curling, camaraderie, and, most importantly, fundraising to support the Barrie Women and Children’s Shelter.

“I came for an open house, then I tried again, and signed up right away to become a member. I’ve been in love with this sport ever since. It makes me feel like I’m in a place that has a history about the sport, and I appreciate something I don’t have at home,”

The 40 participants on Monday ranged in age from nine to over 75-years-old, Gregory said, “It just shows you the sport is for all ages and it’s great.”

Funds raised at the event will be donated to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, and the tournament has brought in more than $80,000 for the centre across previous years.

Some fun community curling is set to go down outdoors in Hoosier next month, a community tradition for the last 20+ years.

More than 400 female curlers from across Canada gathered at the Ottawa Curling Club this week for the Crystal Heart Curling Classic, Canada’s largest recreational women’s bonspiel in support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation. It was the event’s 25th anniversary, and the women raised about $75,000.

The Elrose Uniplex Curling Rink underwent substantial renovations from September until Christmas to give it a more modern look and ensure that it can be enjoyed for decades to come. “(We have) the same amenities as a big club in Saskatoon,” he said. “We have all the cameras, you can see every angle from the bleachers out front.

“Curling has always been the lifeline of small towns,” Glessing noted. “It brings people together and creates lifelong bonds.”

Jean McKiel started curling in her eighties, now at the age of 94 she is still playing three times a week. “I just thought I could do it. I never gave it a thought that I couldn’t. So, one of the girls at the rink took me along and I started playing. Same with golf in the summer, I love it,” she says.

The Montana’s Brier is returning to Newfoundland & Labrador! Be the first in line to buy ticket packages. Check out the Scotties Tournament of Hearts full schedule, read about an exciting update to the Girls Rock Program, presented by Scotties, and learn about how you can get involved in Curling Day in Canada to win major prizes.

“We met at the curling club and probably had been curling around each other for about five years,” said Powers. “One year Luke asked me to play on a mixed four-person team with him and, ‘I said yes,’ and it went from there.”

The Future Stars feature is more than just about the event; it’s an inspiration for the next generation of curlers. By connecting junior athletes with top-level players, the feature aims to ignite a passion for curling that will keep the sport thriving in Saskatchewan for years to come.